Newsletter

SEDA celebrates 2013 successes

With Georgia named the No. 1 state in the country in which to do business, the removal of the inventory tax on manufacturing and the Port of Savannah poised to begin its deepening project, Gov. Nathan Deal told 400-plus business people gathered at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center on Thursday that the state is headed in the right direction.

“With the help of the state Department of Economic Development, the Savannah Economic Development Authority and others in this arena, we can keep Georgia moving forward,” he said.

Deal, the scheduled keynote speaker for SEDA’s annual luncheon, had to deliver his address via video.

But the reason for his last-minute cancellation resonated in the packed ballroom.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there with you in person today because, coincidentally, I’m working on an economic development project with a prospect interested in our state,” he said.

SEDA Board Chairman Bob James kicked off the program by recognizing the organization’s staff, board and partners, including state, city and county governments, academic institutions utilities and service providers.

“In economic development, there is no success that is not the result of a collaborative effort,” James said. “We thank you for always answering our call, always stepping forward to help create jobs and attract investment to Savannah and the region.”

SEDA President Trip Tollison debuted a new video the organization will use to promote Savannah and the area as a great place to do business.

Recapping his organization’s accomplishments in 2013, Tollison said SEDA had 17 expansions or announcements representing 1,353 jobs and $30 million in capital investment.

The business attraction team played host to 40 potential clients, while SEDA’s business retention team visited 113 businesses, hosted eight industry events and helped local businesses with more than 250 referrals.

Tollison listed SEDA’s “Top 10” accomplishments for 2013 before turning the podium over to World Trade Center Savannah Board Chairman Eric Johnson for WTC’s own top 10.

“As you can see, it’s an exciting time to be part of SEDA and an exciting time to be in Savannah,” he said.

SEDA 2013 TOP 10

10. Ended the year with a $1.98 million surplus.

9. Developed a new logo and brand.

8. Identified 35 area start-up companies and introduced them to venture capital.

7. Supported World Trade Center’s successful year. (See WTC Top 10)

6. Development of the Outlet Mall of Georgia.

5. Adopted incentive policies to help the area be more competitive.

4. Initialized SEDA’s aerospace/aviation corridor efforts.

3. Enhanced Technology Circle with addition of Gulfstream University and Great Dane R&D.

2. Received a $15-$30 million land development fund for economic development projects.

1. Every dollar invested and every retained or new job SEDA helped facilitate.